Foldable covering device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said. area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/920,589 filed on Dec. 24, 2013, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference,

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to a foldable covering device, and more particularly to a foldable covering device for transportation devices.

BACKGROUND

Conventional covering devices used for transportation devices may have limited coverage and rigidity. Such limited coverage and rigidity may cause undesirable performance and require the use of additional support structures.

Accordingly, a covering device that is capable of effectively increasing coverage and rigidity would be desirable.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said. tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.

Further disclosed is a foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device including a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto, wherein said. wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position.

Further disclosed is a tower system for a transportation device, the tower system including a tower; and a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mounting said frame to said tower, about a rotation point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification embodies several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotating about the attachment mount;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated fully into a lowered position;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a stowed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with wings of the covering device in a deployed position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a covering device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with the covering device rotated into a fully lowered position and with a cover attached to the top of the covering device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure will detail particular embodiments according to the present invention, which provides a foldable covering device, particularly a foldable covering device for transportation devices. Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a foldable covering device 2, also known as a bi-fold bimimi top is illustrated. The device 2 is configured to be selectively attached to a tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 to provide cover for occupants of a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device when in use. As will be discussed below, the foldable covering device 2 includes left wing 12 and right wing 14 configured to be foldably attached to a center frame 4. Via such foldable attachment, it is possible for the left wing 12 and right wing 14 to provide wider coverage than conventional devices while allowing for various stowage configurations.

Referring to FIG. 1, tower 22 may be a portion of, or affixed to a boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Tower 22 may have first and second tower legs 23, connected by a center tower section 33. First and second tower legs 23 may be attached to center tower section 33 at a respective first end, and attached to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device at a respective second end. Tower 22 generally, and center tower section 33 specifically, may have affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach to tower 22. It may be appreciated that the affixing points where attachment mounts 10 attach to tower 22 may be inboard and away of where first and second tower legs 23 are attached to center tower section 33.

Center frame 4 includes frame beams 5 which are attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 and project forward a desired length to connect laterally along the beam width at a center bow 6 and to delimit center frame 4. Center frame 4 is further supported by trusses 8. In an exemplary embodiment, the center frame 4 has a generally tubular construction formed into a generally “U” shape.

The frame beams 5 converge generally to attach to center bow 6. In an exemplary embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the frame beams 5 are attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 that are inboard of the outermost points of coverage provided by foldable covering device 2, specifically wings 12,14. As a result of these inboard attachment mounts 10, the rigidity of center frame 4 and foldable covering device 2 may generally be increased.

The trusses 8 further increase the rigidity of center frame 4 and foldable covering device 2 generally. As best shown in FIG. 2, trusses 8 support frame beams 5 at a truss attachment mount 9 to support the weight of center frame 4, distribute the stresses experienced, and enhance rigidity. The opposite ends of trusses 8 are attached to attachment mount 10, specifically attachment mount subframe 25.

The center bow 6 further enhances rigidity of the center frame 4 while connecting frame beams 5 of center frame 4. Due to the inboard attachment mounts 10, the converging shape of frame beams 5, and the trusses 8, the center frame 4 experiences enhanced rigidity compared to conventional devices without the use of additional support structures. As a result, the use of a single center bow 6 is sufficient to allow for the desired rigidity. Accordingly, the enhanced rigidity allowed by the design allows for higher vehicle operation speeds while withstanding the stresses of the enhanced extension provided by the center frame 4.

Since wings 12,14 allow for suitably wide coverage along the beam width of the boat or vehicle, the center frame 4 does not need to provide complete coverage in the beam width direction. The unique shape of center frame 4 allows for foldable covering device 2 to project forward further compared to conventional devices. This unique shape is particularly beneficial when foldable covering device 2 is attached to a rear swoop tower 22, since a rear swoop tower has a longer distance from the front surface of the tower 22 to the top edge of the windshield compared to a tower 22 that may provide less distance between the windshield and the top of the tower 22. The enhanced projection of center frame 4 and consequently foldable covering device 2 allows for enhanced coverage performance that may project to the windshield or at least further than conventional covering devices, which may not provide adequate coverage. In at least one embodiment, the furthest point of center frame 4 may project forward from the tower 22 at a length of at least 30 inches, at least 40 inches, or at least 50 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the furthest point of center frame 4 may project forward from the tower 22 at a length of 53 inches.

Left wing 12 and right wing 14 are rotatably and foldably attached to center frame 4. Wings 12,14 may be disposed at laterally opposed sides of center frame 4. Wings 12,14 may be attached to center frame 4 via attachment mounts 16. Wings 12,14 are shaped and configured to provide suitable coverage in a beam width direction along the projection length of center frame 4. Particularly, wings 12,14 allow for greater coverage width outboard of attachment mounts 10. Further, wings 12,14 allow for greater coverage width than convectional devices. In an exemplary embodiment, wings 12,14 are of a generally tubular construction with a “D” shaped configuration.

Wings 12, 14 may be stowed or closed as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or deployed or open as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. When folded or closed, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, wings 12, 14 may minimize the footprint of foldable covering device 2 by being confined in a width less than the beam width of center frame 4 by being foldable onto center frame 4. Further, when wings 12,14 are stowed, the boat or vehicle on which foldable covering device 2 is employed may travel at a higher speed, suitable for high speed travel, transport, or towing. Further, stowed wings 12,14 may allow for easier handling during temporary stowage, removal, and attachment. Foldable covering device 2 may be retained and protected with an external cover (not shown) when wings 12,14 are stowed.

When full coverage of foldable covering device 2 is desired, wings 12, 14 may be deployed or opened. When deployed or opened, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, wings 12, 14 extend laterally beyond center frame 4 to provide maximum coverage. Wings 12,14 may extend laterally beyond the perimetric extents of tower 22, particularly first and second tower leg 23, allowing for extension beyond the beam width of tower 22 and the first and second tower leg 23 sides. In order to maintain the position of deployed wings 12, 14, and prevent any fluttering motion, the wings 12,14 may be attached to tower 22 via support legs 18. Support legs 18 maintain wings 12, 14 in a deployed position, by attaching or associating wings 12, 14 to tower 22 via support leg mount points 20. Support legs 18 may mount or associate to support leg mount points 20 using ball and socket type connectors or ACON type connectors.

Wings 12, 14 may rotate freely on rotation points 16 between a stowed position and a deployed position. The range of motion of wings 12,14 may be limited in both an inboard direction and an outboard direction when wings 12,14 contact tower 22, stopping their rotation beyond a stowed position or a deployed position.

In order to attach foldable covering device 2, center frame 4 is associable or attached to tower 22 via attachment mounts 10 at a center tower section 33 Attachment mounts 10 are generally of billet construction. Attachment mounts 10 as previously discussed are disposed inboard of the widest points of deployed wings 12,14, and are generally attached to the frame beams 5 of center frame 4. Trusses 8 may further attach to attachment mounts 10 via attachment mount subframe 25. The position of attachment mounts 10 provides rigidity as previously discussed.

Attachment mounts 10 may be configured to attach to tower 22 by clamping tubular sections of tower 22 at a center tower section 33. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment mounts 10 may have a tower connection section 11, wherein the tubular sections of tower 22 are retained by clamping tubular sections of tower 22. Attachment mount 10 also retains center frame 4 at multiple areas, particularly frame beams 5 in rotation retention point 26 (via hand knob 24 and attachment mount subframe 25) and rotation/release point 28.

Center frame 4 may be selectively released from tower connection section 11 to allow rotation of center frame 4 or to quickly disconnect center frame 4 (along with wings 12,14) from tower connection section 11 and tower 22.

In order to free center frame 4 to freely rotate about rotation/release paint 28, attachment mount subframe 25 must be released. Hand knob 24 threadedly couples the tower connection section 11 to attachment mount subframe 25 to act as a retainer to prevent rotation about rotation/release point 28. When hand knob 24 is removed, center frame 4 and attachment mount subframe 25 are allowed to rotate freely about rotation/release point 28, which rotatably retains frame beams 5 of center frame 4. In at least one embodiment, center tower section 33 may be the axis of center frame 4 rotation.

Tower 22 may also rotate along tower rotation paint 30. Tower 22 may be selectively rotationally and removably retained by any suitable mechanism to retain tower 22 to the boat, other marine vehicle, or other transportation device. Referring to FIG. 6, such rotation allows center frame 4 to rotate in a generally upward direction 27 to allow tower 22 to rotate in a generally forward direction 31 along tower rotation point 30. Such opposite rotation of center frame 4 compared to tower 22 may allow the tower 22 to rotate forward to allow the boat or vehicle to pass under low clearance areas, for storage, or for transport.

Referring to FIG. 7, the tower 22 may rotate to a fully lowered position and foldable covering device 2 may rotate forward/upwardly to allow the rotation of the tower 22. When in such a stowed position, the lowered foldable covering device 2 may be supported by a device support 32. Device support 32 may attach to foldable covering device 2 at attachment mount 34 of center frame 4. Conventional covering devices may need to be removed in order to allow the tower 22 to rotate forward.

Alternatively instead of rotating center frame 4, after attachment mount subframe 25 is released, the center frame 4 (along with wings 12,14) may be quickly disconnected from tower connection section 11 and tower 22. As shown in FIG. 1, rotation/release point 28 includes a pin 29 that allows for rotation that further may be removed to allow foldable covering device 2 to be removed, leaving the tower connection section 11 of attachment mount 10 attached to tower 22. The pins 29 may be retained with a clip or any other suitable method to prevent undesired removal.

Similarly, center frame 4 (along with wings 12,14) may be quickly reattached by aligning frame beams 5 with rotation/release points 28 and inserting pins 29. Similarly, rotation and removal of center frame 4 may be constrained by replacing hand knob 24 as a retainer to couple attachment mount subframe 25 to tower connection section 11 to prevent removal of foldable covering device 2 and rotation of foldable covering device 2.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, foldable covering device 2 may be configured to be covered with any suitable material to allow for suitable coverage and protection for occupants of the boat or other vehicle. In at least one embodiment, the covering material 36 may be canvas. The covering material 36 may move and conform to the shape of the underlying frame, such as with wings 12,14 (not shown) stowed as shown in FIG. 8, wings 12,14 (not shown) deployed as shown in FIG. 9, and with wings 12, 14 (not shown) stowed and foldable covering device 2 in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 10.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tower system for a transportation device, the tower system comprising: a tower including a first tower leg, a second tower leg, and a center tower section connecting said first tower leg and said second tower leg; and a frame configurable with a cover, said frame including at least one mount for affixing said frame to said center tower section at at least one affixing point on said tower section, wherein said at least one affixing point is disposed at an interior of said area of said center tower section, away from said first tower leg and said second tower leg.
 2. The tower of claim 1, wherein said first tower leg and said second tower leg are attached to said center tower section at first ends, and attached to the transportation device at opposing ends.
 3. The tower of claim 1, wherein said at least one mount is two mounts associated with frame beams that delimit a center portion of said frame.
 4. The tower of claim 3, wherein said frame includes wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center portion and rotatably affixed thereto, said wing portions being foldable onto said center portion when the frame is in a closed position.
 5. The tower of claim 4, wherein said wing portions extend laterally beyond perimetric extents of said tower at both a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side.
 6. The tower of claim 3, wherein a furthest point of said center portion from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower.
 7. The tower of claim 3, wherein said frame beams each include a truss configured to further affix to said two mounts.
 8. A foldable covering device configurable to be attached to a tower for a transportation device, the tower including a first tower leg side and a second tower leg side, the foldable covering device comprising: a center frame including wing portions disposed at laterally opposed sides of said center frame and rotatably affixed thereto, wherein said wing portions extend laterally beyond extents of the tower at both the first tower leg side and the second tower leg side in an open position.
 9. The foldable covering device of claim 8, said wing portions being foldable onto said center frame when said foldable covering device is in a closed position.
 10. The foldable covering device of claim 8, wherein a furthest point of said center frame from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower.
 11. The foldable covering device of claim 8, wherein said wing portions include a support leg configured to be associable with the tower.
 12. The foldable covering device of claim 8, wherein said foldable covering device is configurable with a cover.
 13. A tower system for a transportation device, the tower system comprising: a tower; and a frame including at least one mount configured to rotatably mount said frame to said tower, about a rotation point.
 15. The tower system of claim 13, wherein said at least one mount is further configured to rotatably mounting said frame to a center tower section of said tower, wherein said center tower section is an axis of frame rotation.
 16. The tower system of claim 13, wherein said tower is rotatable about a tower rotation point and said frame is rotatable in a frame rotation direction opposite a tower rotation direction.
 17. The tower system of claim 16, wherein said tower is selectively retained to the transportation device to prevent rotation about said tower rotation point.
 18. The tower system of claim 13, wherein a retainer is coupled to said mount to prevent rotation about said rotation point.
 19. The tower system of claim 13, wherein said frame is removably affixed to said tower at said rotation point.
 20. The tower system of claim 19, wherein a rotation pin is coupled to said mount to prevent removal of said frame.
 21. The tower system of claim 20, wherein a retainer is coupled to said mount to prevent removal of said frame.
 22. The tower system of claim 13, said frame configurable with a cover.
 23. The tower system of claim 13, wherein a furthest point of said frame from the tower is projected at least 50 inches from the tower. 